Thank you for selecting Smith Stearns Tennis Academy for your tennis training
Thank you for considering Smith Stearns Tennis Academy for your training needs. As you navigate through our website, we hope you find the information you need about the Academy and the various programs we offer. You will discover what sets Smith Stearns apart and what makes the Academy such a special place to be.
We offer some of the worlds most acclaimed tennis programs while continually promoting an atmosphere of intense training, camaraderie, and fun. The Smith Stearns approach speaks for itself as we have developed numerous state, sectional, national, and international champions over the years, as well as having one of the strongest college placement programs in the country. Students from all over the world join us so they can achieve their goals and be a part of something special. We always like to say that Smith Stearns memories last a lifetime!
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 School Year and 2025 Summer Camps.
We look forward to working with you and your family throughout the admissions process. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us. We look forward to seeing you at the Academy!
Please follow the procedures below for all program registrations. If you have any questions:
Contact: Joanie Hyndman, Director of Admissions, info@smithstearns.com or Call 843.363.4789
Full Time Academy Registration
1. Complete the Full Time Registration form in its entirety.
2. Personal Statement. Each student must provide us with a personal statement that helps us get to know you better. This statement can include why you want to train at the academy, your tennis and academic goals, and any other personal interests or values.
3. Letters of Recommendation. We recommend you support your application with two letters of recommendation. One should be from a previous tennis coach or mentor and another should be from a teacher or someone close to you who can tell us about your character.
4. Once completed please return all forms to our Director of Admissions, Joanie Hyndman, one of the following three ways.
Mail
Smith Stearns Tennis Academy
Admissions
P.O. Box 7833
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29938
Fax
(843) 363-4179
Email
info@smithstearns.com
5. Once the application has been received it is recommended that you have an on campus interview with our Director of Admissions and Academy Director. This interview can ideally take place during one of our week long tennis camps where you will get the opportunity to meet our coaching staff, acquaint yourself with other students, look at our housing, and visit Hilton Head Preparatory School if you plan on attending there. This visit will give you the best idea of what your experience will be like if you attend the academy. If you have previously visited the academy a phone interview can be arranged.
6. Notification of Decision. Decisions are handled on a case by case basis. However, you should receive notification within two weeks of the submission of your application.
7. Complete Tuition Agreement. Once you have been notified of your acceptance you will receive a tuition agreement that must be completed to officially hold your spot in the academy. The tuition agreement can be mailed, faxed, or emailed back to the admissions coordinator. A $5,000 deposit for day students and $15,000 deposit for housing students is required at the time the application is reviewed. This deposit is non-refundable. Remainder of tuition balance will be paid upon selection of payment plans set forth in tuition agreement.
Due to a limited number of spaces available each semester, it is important to apply as soon as possible. Priority will be given to students who apply at an earlier date.
Weekly/Holiday/Summer Camp Registration
1. Please call or email the Director of Admissions (843) 363-4789 or info@smithstearns.com to make sure there is availability during the dates you wish to attend.
2. Complete the Guest Registration form in its entirety.
3. Once completed please return the form to our Director of Admissions, Joanie Hyndman one of the following three ways.
Mail
Smith Stearns Tennis Academy
Admissions
P.O. Box 7833
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29938
Fax
(843) 363-4179
Email
info@smithstearns.com
4. A confirmation email will be sent to notify you that your application has been processed and your spot has been held in the academy. At this time all academy and housings costs in their entirety will be charged to the credit card you have provided.
Due to a limited number of spaces available each week, it is important to apply as soon as possible. Priority will be given to students who apply at an earlier date.
Visa Information for International Students
All international students are required to obtain an F-1 Student Visa in order to be authorized to attend classes in the U.S.
The process for obtaining the visa is as follows:
1. The school that the student has chosen to attend (e.g., Hilton Head Preparatory School) will issue an I-20 form. This form will be sent to the student in order to be able to request the F-1 Student Visa in the appropriate U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
2. The student will need to contact the U.S. Consulate or U.S. Embassy operating in his/her country to set an appointment to apply for the student visa. He/she should ask what supporting documents are needed.
3. The student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee; this can be done online at www.fmjfee.com and must be paid prior to the Consulate/Embassy appointment.
4. When the student travels to or from the United States, he/she will be required to show his/her passport and I-20/F-1 visa. The student must keep both these documents with him/her at all times.
For more detailed information please visit the U.S. Department of State website.
If you need help with the admissions process please call our Director of Admissions at (843) 363-4789.
We look forward to your arrival at Smith Stearns Tennis Academy!